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High vs Highly: What's the Difference?

B1 Grammar & Usage

What's the Difference?

High" refers to physical or measurable height, while "highly" is usually used in an abstract sense to mean 'to a great degree'.

Memory Tip: high = tall, highly = very

high has a long /aɪ/, highly adds /li/ sound

high /haɪ/

adjective
Having a greater than usual height.
Example:
If you climb that hill, you will get a high view of the whole city.
Common patterns:
high place high person
high →

high

noun
The term "high" refers to a position or level that is significantly above the average or normal range, often used to describe altitude, intensity, or quality.
Example:
If you climb that hill, you will get a high view of the whole city.
Common patterns:
high expectations high standards high risk
high →

high /haɪ/

adverb
At or to a great distance above the ground.
Example:
If you climb that hill, you will get a high view of the whole city.
Common patterns:
very high high up
high →

highly

adverb
"Highly" means very or to a great degree, often used to describe something that is strong or intense.
Example:
The movie was highly recommended by my friends, so I decided to watch it last night.
Common patterns:
highly recommended highly successful highly skilled
highly →

Common Mistakes

She is a high respected scientist in her field.
She is a highly respected scientist in her field.
The word 'highly' is used to describe the degree of respect, which is abstract.
The airplane flew highly above the clouds.
The airplane flew high above the clouds.
The word 'high' is used to describe physical height or altitude.

Quick Practice

0/4 correct
1. If you climb that hill, you will get a ____ view of the whole city.
2. If you climb that hill, you will get a ____ view of the whole city.
3. If you climb that hill, you will get a ____ view of the whole city.
4. The movie was ____ recommended by my friends, so I decided to watch it last night.

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